Apparatus for separating a stack of folded printed products or printed products bound at one side

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for separating a stack of individual sheets or folded and/or one-side bound printed products with the aid of a least one separation element suitable for initiating the separation operation and acting directly at the printed product to be separated. According to the invention, the separation element possesses a substantially lance-shaped constructed leading end portion driven to move in a plane substantially parallel to the printed products with respect to the stack thereof. This separation element is destined to engage with one so-called cut side edge portion of the printed product to be separated from the stack thereof or above such cut side edge of the printed product to be separated.

United States Patent Reist et a1.

[ APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING A STACK OF FOLDED PRINTED PRODUCTS OR PRINTED PRODUCTS BOUND AT ONE SIDE [72] Inventors: Walter Reist; Hans Rudolf Kuratle,

both of l-linwil/Zurich, Switzerland [73] Assignee: Ferag, Fehr & Reist AG, Hinwil,

Zurich, Switzerland [22] Filed: July 24, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 57,953

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data July 24, 1969 Switzerland ..11331/69 52 us. on ..271/29 [51] Int. Cl. ..B65h 3/32 [58] Field of Search ..271/2, 29, 32, 41

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,142,143 1/1939 Novick ..271/29 [151 3,690,645 1 Sept. 12,1972

2,797,092 6/1957 Welsh ..271/2 X 3,160,293 12/1964 l-lennequin ..271/2 X 1,646,230 10/ l 927 Berkowitz ..271/29 1,619,711 3/1972 Engstrom ..271/29 3,045,867 7/1962 Flynn ..271/29 Primary Examiner-Joseph Wegbreit Att0rneyCraig, Antonelli & Hill [5 7] ABSTRACT An apparatus for separating a stack of individual sheets or folded and/or one-side bound printed products with the aid of a least one separation element suitable for initiating the separation operation and acting directly at the printed product to be separated. According to the invention, the separation element possesses a substantially lance-shaped constructed leading end portion driven to move in a plane substantially parallel to the printed products with respect to the stack thereof. This separation element is destined to engage with one so-called out side edge portion of the printed product to be separated from the stack thereof or above such cut side edge of the printed product to be separated.

12 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATENTED 12 I972 3.690.645

sum 1 or 5 I5 -:j 19g Fig.3

INYENTORS WALTER REIST mo HANS RumJLF KURATLE Al mime Y'- PATENTEDSEP 12 I972 SHEET 2 UF 5 INVENTORS WALTER RUST mo HhNS RuDoLF KURATLE Cvqk), nnhancui, Skewurk 1 AT \ORNEYB PATENTEDSEP 12 I912 3,690,645

79 INVENTORS WALTER REIST AND HAN5 RUDOLF KURATLE Graig, Hnl'onelli, Skeuorkd ATTORNEYS PATENTED 12 I97? 3 690,645

SHEEI 5 OF 5 INVENTORS WALTER REIST AND HANS RUDOLF KURATLE ISY C1011], fink-malls gtemfirk w ATTORNEYS product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a The present invention relates to a new and improved apparatuslfor the separation of astack of individual sheets or folded and/or one-side bound printed products by means of at least one separation element serving to initiatethe separation operation andacting directly at the printed product to be separated.

Such folded or one-side bound printed products are generally rectangular .or quadrangular. At one side edge thereof they have the appearance of a'compact structure, namely at that side edge of folded products formed by the rear or back portion thereof. On the other hand, at least at one of the remaining side edges such printed products partake, the appearance of a stack of sheets, namely atthat side edge where each sheetindividually bounds with its free edge'portion at the sideedge' of theentire product. This"side edge of the product will conveniently hereinafter be referred to forflthe sake 'of simplicity as the so-called-cut side edge," irrespective whether this edge-for instance specifically atfolded newspapers-is or is not cut after the folding operation. Accordingly, bound printed products, as a general rule, possess three outside edges anda rear or back portion whereas, for instancefa twice folded newspaper possesses a main fold and only two out side edges.

Furthermore, such .printed products also possess specific characteristicswithregard to their mechanical properties. They can only be elastically bent to a limited extent, that is, without their permanently remaining a bend or fold, this limitation as concerns bending thereof being in the direction of the bend. This elastic bendability is limited to the bending axes which extend approximately parallel to the back portion or main fold, or, however, to bending operations which do not act upon the main fold or the back portion of the If such type of printed products arearranged in a stack and if this stack should again be separated, in other words divided up into individual copies, then, one of the most critical operations occurring during stack separation operations is the first operation, namely placing the printed product to be separated, whether it be that one located uppermost or lowermost in the stack, into a condition where it can be engaged. If this condition has been attained then the remaining operations required for completing the separation'of the product from the stack, namely the complete separation and the conveying away of the printed product from the stack, no longer forms any appreciable difficulty.

Thus, with apparatusesof the aforementioned type there is therefore provided a separation element which initiates the separation operation. Hence, in accordance with a known apparatus this separation element is constructed as a suction cup which can be placed so as to act upon the uppermost or lowermost printed product. The thus engaged printed product is raised or displaced to such extent until the printed product itself can be, for instance, engaged by a gripper element or can be separated by a separation vanefYet, these suction cups only act upon the directly contacted sheet of the product. Thus, it is not possible to completely overcome the existing drawback with this type equipment that only the engaged sheet will be raised or displaced, particularly when used in conjunction with heavy newspapers or other printed articles. Even if the suction cup is applied quite nearto the region of the main fold or back portion of the printed product, the effect of the suction cup is still considerably dependent upon how stiff the cover sheet is of the printed product which is directly contacted by the suction cup. Apart from the foregoing, the construction of the separation element in the form of a suction cup requires considerable engineering design of the equipment since generally it is necessary to provide a negative pressure source as well as a valve mechanism in order to render the suction cup effectual and ineffectual. 1 l

According to another known apparatus of the mentioned type the separation element constitued by a block equipped with a point or tip whichfpierces? the product to be separated at the stack at its free surface and thereafter generally displaces away or withdraws such in the direction of the main fold lineor back portion thereof from the stack. Although this type separtion element does indeed require a less complicated design, still it possesses the drawback thatthe region of the printed product at which the tip engages, that is, at least a portion-of the cover sheet, is damaged, in other words pierced or at least somewhat punctured.

A similar known apparatus uses instead of a tip at a block member only a friction enhancing coating, for instance one formed of rubber. While this construction does indeed prevent direct damage to thesheet which is immediately contacted, still the same disadvantages mentioned with respect to the suction cup type of separation element also are applicable herei it is not easy to prevent displacement of only the directly contacted sheet, resulting in failure of the separation operation to be initiated. I

Finally, it has already also been proposed to constuct the separation element in the form of a vane and to introduce such element between the approximately wedge-shaped gap appearing between the fold portion or back portion of the product to be, separated and the fold portion or back portion of the neighboring product. Yet, such type separation element requires a very exact adjustment of its position with respect to the stack, and specifically accommodated to the thickness of the individual printed products. Furthermore, this type construction, even if there is a most accurate adjustment of the position of the separation element only then functions satisfactorily if all'of the main fold portions or rear or back portions are located flushly in one plane in the stack. Once this condition is not fulfilled, then, the separation element constructed and operating in this manner cannot perform satisfactorily. This is so because instead of moving into the mentioned wedge-shaped gap it arrives at the main fold or back portion of the printed product and the separation of the product itself, even if such can be undertaken at all, is

not cleanly initiated, or, in fact it can damage the relevant product.

3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a real need exists in the art for a stack separation mechanism which is not associated with the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art. Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide just such a stack separation mechanism which effectively fulfills this need.

Another, more specific object of the present-invention relates to an improved I stack separation mechanism which is not associated with the drawbacks mentioned above existing with the heretofore discussed prior art constructions.

Still a further significant object of the present invention related to an improved stack separation mechanism which effectively removes printed products individually from a stack in a positive fashion without damaging these products during the separation operation.

A further-noteworthy object of the present invention relates .to an improved stack separation mechanism which is relatively simple in construction, economical to manufacture, provides for positive separation of the individual articles from a stack of such articles, without damaging same, is not readily subject to breakdown, and provides for relatively high speed stack separation.

- Now, in order to implement these and still further objects of the invention, which will become more readily apparent as the description proceeds, the inventive stack separation mechanism is manifested by the features that the separation element acts upon the product to be separated at a location where there can be practically eliminated any danger of damaging such product, and further, wherein a fixed positional adjustment of the separation element is not critical. In other words, it is possible to perform a clean separation of the product to be separated from the stack throughout a relatively wide thickness range thereof.

The invention itself is premised upon the recognition that a flat member equipped with a sharpened edge portion can b readily introduced into the heretofore defined cut side edge of a printed product of the mentioned type, without damaging such in the slightest.

Therefore, the proposed inventive stack separation mechanism is generally manifested by the features that the separation element or elements possess a tapered or lance-shaped leading end portion which is driven to move in a plane approximately parallel to the printed products with respect to the stack, this separation element being destined to engage with one cut side edge or above such cut side edge of the printed product in the stack which is to be separated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above, will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of mapparatus for separating a stack of superimposed newspapers for instance, into a stream of overlapping newspapers arranged to be conveyed away upon a conveyor band, these separated newspapers being deposited upon the conveyor band in the manner of a fish scale" arrangement, in other words similar to spreading or fanning a deck of cards on a table;

FIG. 2 is afragmentary, partially sectional view, illustrating on an enlarged scale a detail of the apparatus structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows the travel of a drive chain mechanism used in the stack separation apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 m7 inclusive are respective schematic top plan views of the different positions of a pair of separation disc members as they move through various positions during the separation cycle and used in the separation apparatus depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are respective perspective views-showing details of the separation operations at the beginning of the stack separation,corresponding to the position of the disc members appearing in FIGS. 4 and 5 respectively;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view of the portion of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 taken substantially along the line 10-10 thereof;

FIG. 11 is a simplified side view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 6 viewed in the direction of the arrow A thereof;

FIG. 12 is a markedly simplified sectional view of the apparatus structure of FIG. 1, taken substantially along the lines 12-12 thereof;

FIG. 13 to 16, are views similar to FIGS. 4 to 7, respectively, showing a variant form of inventive stack separation apparatus, likewise utilizing two rotary disc members each of which are provided with two separation elements;

FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view of still a further embodiment of inventive apparatus for stack separation incorporating two rotational disc members each of which are provided with three separation elements;

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of an embodiment of inventive stack separation apparatus which is particularly suitable for separating individual sheets or very thin printed products from a stack;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary sectional view of the stack separation apparatus of FIG. 18, taken substantially along the line XIX-XIX thereof;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 18, taken substantially along the line XX--XX thereof; and

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary sectional view of the apparatus structure of FIG. 18, taken substantially along the line XXI-XXI thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Describing now the drawings, and considering first in detail the exemplary embodiment of inventive stack separation mechanism depicted in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the stack 1 of printed products bears upon the support surfaces defined by two rotary disc or plate members 3 and 4. Stack I is guided in its predetermined position by suitable stop members 5,6, 7 and 8, as best shown by referring to FIG. 4, in such a manner that it can not be displaced or shifted as a unit from its reference position with respect to the rotary disc members 3 and 4.

Rotary disc members 3 and 4 are rigidly fixed for rotation by means of hub portions 10 and 19, respectively, to the vertically extending shafts 12 and 11,

respectively. Shafts 11 and 12 are rotably mounted in any suitable fashion in the bearings 14 and 13 respectively. Bearings 13 and 14 are secured to a non-illustrated machine frame in any appropriate manner.-A sprocket wheel 15 and 16 is keyed to the shafts 12 and 11, respectively, these sprocket wheels being equal in size and trained by a driving chain 17 in the manner best illustrated by referring to FIG 3. The path of travel or course of thisdriving chain 17 is approximately through a heart-shaped path and leads from the sprocket wheel 15, via a first intermediate gear 18, back to the sprocket wheel 16 and then to a second intermediate gear 19, again then back to .the sprocket wheel 15. I

Due to this course or path of travel of the .drive or driving chain 17 it will be apparent that such cooperates at one face thereof with the sprocket wheel 15 and by means of its opposite face with the sprocket wheel 16. The end result is simply that both sprocket wheels 15 and 16 are coupled with one another to rotate in opposite directions and with the fixed transmission ratio of l l.

Further, shaft 11 will be seen to support at its'lower region a bevel gear 20 which meshes with a bevel gear 2-2 keyed to an intermediate shaft 21. This counter shaft 21 which iszmounted in bearings 27 additionally carries a drive sprocket wheel '23 which, in turn, is operably coupled by means of a chain 24 to the power take-off gear 25 of a drive motor-speed reduction transmission unit 26. F lnally, it is here stated that a still further sprocket wheel 28 is keyed to the intermediate shaft 21, cooperating with a chain drive 30', associated with a sprocket wheel 29. The sprocket wheel 29 is keyedto a shaft 31 mounted in bearing 30. Shaft 31 supports a drive roller 32 of a conveyor band 33 arranged between the shafts 11 and 12 and beneath the rotary disc members 3 and 4. Conveyor band 33 extends ina direction perpendicular toa plane of the paper of the illustration of FIG. 1. A separated newspaper, indicated by reference numeral 2", is shown disposed upon the conveyor band 33.

Turning now to the construction .of the rotary disc members 3 and .4, it will be understood that such possess a special design and construction which can ,best be explained by referring to FIGS. 4 to 7 inclusive. At the disc member 3 there is provided an approximately radially extending wide slot 34 which extends past the associated shaft member 12. Slot 34 viewed in the direction of rotation of the ,disc member 3, indicated :by the arrow is bounded by a leading edge ,portion 35 of the disc member and by a trailing edge portion 36 of such disc member. In other words, the rotary ,disc member 3 has imparted to it, by virtue of the provision of the slot 34, the configuration of a semi-circular surface 38 which, always viewed in the direction of rotation, draws behind it" an approximately circular sector-shaped extension or shoulder 37. The leading edge portion 35 is slightly sharpened, as such will best be seen by referring to FIG. 10. The purpose of this slot 34 is explained more fully hereinafterylnitially it is here only mentioned, in conjunction with FIGS. 4 to 7, that the slot 34, during a complete revolution of the disc member 3, wipes past the entire portion of the bottom surface of the stack 1 supported by the disc member 3, without there being possible a position of this disc member 3 where the stack 1 is not supported at all.

.wipes past the entireportion of the bottom surface of the stack 1 supported by this rotary disc member 4, without, however, any portion of stack 1 remaining unsupported.

It is here also to be mentioned that the rotary disc members 3 and 4 are adjusted with respect to one another in such a way that during their rotation occurring, as stated above, in opposite directions and with the same speed of rotation,.the slot 39 and its leading side edge 40 always follows behind the slot 34 and its leading sideedge portion 35 a certain angle in such a way that the sideedge 40 only then begins to contact the bottom surface of the stack 1 after the side edge 35 has already completely penetrated the peripheral portion of this bottom surface of the stack. This is best shown by referring to FIG. 6.

Continuing, it will be seen that the rotary disc member 3 is equipped with a separation element 42.

Separation element 42 is a decisive structure for the mode of operation of the stack separation mechanism which is still to be described. In considering the structural details of the separation element 42 reference is to beparticularly made to FIGS. l,2,4,8 and 9.

Basically, separation element 42 .is primarily formed of a lance-shaped vane 43 possessing a tip or pointed portion 44, followed by a shoulder or projection 45 possessing the configuration of a spiral or helical surface. At the inner edge of the shoulder 45 the vane 43 is secured to a central hub member 46 which, in theillustrated embodiment,is rotatablysecured to an upwardly extending extension 47 of the shaft member 12 (FIG. 2). The height of the tip portion 44 with respect to the upper surface of the rotary plate member 3 is, for instance, adjustable and fixable by means of the adjustment or positioning screws 48. Apart from the foregoing structure, the vane 43 is arranged in offset fashion in its angular position with respect to the rotary disc member 3 .throughan angle of about with regard to the slot 34.

Furthermore, the vane member 43 extends in radial direction, viewed from the shaft 12, to such an extent that the tip portion 44 and the outer edge of the projection or shoulder 45 of the vane 43, during a full revolution or rotation thereof, can penetrate into the prismaticspace bounded by the side surfaces of the stack 1 and can again leave such space.

Now for the purpose of describing the mode of operation of the illustrated apparatus, reference is best made to FIGS. 4 to 10 inclusive. FIG. 4 illustrates the starting position of the components of the stack separa- .tion mechanism, specifically the disc members with the separator element. More specifically, it will be observed that the stack 1, guided by the stop members 5, 6,7,8 and 9, bearsupon both coplanar rotary disc members 3 and 4. Stack l is visible in plan view, that is to say, the individual newspapers 2 are located in a plane parallel to the plane of the drawing. The rotary disc members 3 and 4 have assumed such a rotational posiperspective view in FIG. 8, where it can be observed that the tip portion 44 of the vane 43 during its path of travel has just begun to penetrate the neighbouring out side edge of the lowermost newspaper 2.

Now if the rotary disc members 3 and 4 rotate further in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 4, then the tip portion 44 of the vane 43 penetrates into the cut side edge of the newspaper 2' which, as il- Iustrated, occurs without damage, and the vane 43 penetrates into the newspaper 2'. Since the vane possesses the form of a spiral or helical surface, that is to say the configuration of a section of a downwardly effective feed worm, this vane 43 downwardly bends the engaged corner of the newspaper 2'. This is readily possible since the shoulder 45 of the vane 43 is above the slot 34, that is to say, associated with a free space. This condition is represented in FIGS. 5, 9 and 10. Due to this bending of the corner-of the newspaper 2', and as best seen by referring to FIG. 9, a pronounced wedge-shape gap 50 appears. During further rotation of the rotary disc members 3 and 4 the leading edge portion 35 of the disc member 3 penetrates into this wedge-shaped gap. This takes place to a certain extent with a so called drawing cut so that an ever increasing larger portion of the newspaper 2' is flexed downwardly, that is to say is bent about the lower face of the rotary plate member 3.

If the edge portion 35 has penetrated completely between the newspaper 2' and the next upper located paper, then, the gap 50 has necessarily enlarged to such a size that it extends somewhat past the region of the stop member 8 so that the peripheral end of the leading edge portion 40 of the rotary disc member 4 can likewise be displaced between the newspaper 2' and the next successive paper. This condition is illustrated in FIGS.6andll.

Upon further rotation of both disc members 3 and 4 the lowermost newspaper 2 is separated by these disc members 3 and 4 in an ever increasing degree from the lower end of the stack 1. This operation is clearly represented in FIG. 7 in which for the sake of clarity only the newspaper 2 has been illustrated and not the other newspapers which are superimposed thereon. It will thus be observed that in this position of the disc members 3 and 4 only the shaded portions or regions 51 and 52 of the newspaper 2' are supported upon the rotary disc members 4 and 3, respectively. The remaining portion of the newspaper 2 is already hanging downward and during further rotation this paper 2 drops under its own weight onto the conveyor band 33 arranged beneath the rotary disc members 3 and 4, as evidenced by the showing of FIG. 12.

Further in connection with the above described embodiment of stack separation mechanism it is to be noted that is is suitable for the separation of stacks of articles possessing different formats. Such has been illustrated in FIGS. 4 and by the phantom line 53. Of course, when changing the format the stop members guiding the stack 1 must also be adjusted. To this end the stop members 5,6 and 9 are arranged to be adjustable in any suitable manner, so that they can be brought from the position illustrated in FIG. 1 into the position indicated at 5",6" and 9". Reference numerals 5, 6' and 9' represents an intermediate position of such stop members.

Furthermore, it is additionally to be remarked that the frequency or abundance" of the individual copies which are deposited in a fish scale manner, as previously defined, from the stack 1 onto the conveyor band 33, that is to say the number of copies in a section of a predetermined length which are arranged in fish scale overlapping staggered fashion is independent from the velocity of the conveyor band 33 since, owing to the fixed transmission ratio between the conveyor band drive and the drive of the rotary disc members 3, 4 the conveyor band 33 will advance further through a predetermined constant amount for each revolution of the rotary disc members 3'and 4, that is, for each individual newspaper.

Although the previously described embodiment of stack separator apparatus operates-by means of rotary disc members which complete the initially initiated separation operation, the invention is not limited to this structural form. In this connection reference is again made to FIGS. 8 and 9. In this figure there is only illustrated the vane 43 during its operation. It should thus be understood that the existing gap can also be successfully employed to enable a gripper or a clamp to seize the lowermost newspaper 2' or other printed article. The separation element 42 which in this case is shown as a vane member 43 only serves the purpose of initiating the separation operation, that is to say, to bring about the separation of the lowermost printed article from the stack of such articles.

Also the separation element 42 itself need not possess a spiral-shape, that is, to a certain extent possess the shape of a feed worm. There can also be provided a knife which is guidingly driven to undertake a cranklike to-and-fro movement and during its forward stroke itself penetrates into one of the cutting edges of the printed products approximately parallel to such printed products.

FIGS. 13 to 16 illustrate a further embodiment of inventive stack separation mechanism again incorporating two rotary or rotational disc members. The plan view thereof permits recognition of the stack 1 and the lowermost newspaper 2' which is in the process of just being separated. Stack l bears upon the two rotary disc members 54 and 55 which are driven in opposite rotational directions, indicated by the arrows of FIG. 13. The drive arrangement for these disc members 54 and 55 is practically constructed similar to that of the stack separator mechanism heretofore considered with respect to FIG. 1, and therefore, need not be further discussed. Just as was the case with the preceding embodiment, here also the stack 1 is guided by means of a group of stop members 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60 which collectively limit an approximately rectangular shaft or chute in which the stack is axially freely displaceable, yet secured against lateral displacements. As has also been shown in the case of the embodiment of FIGS. 4 to 7 for the stop members 7 and 9, here also the stop members 58 and 59 engage with annular grooves 62 and 61, respectively, provided at the upper face of the rotary disc members 54, 55.

Furthermore as best observed by referring to FIGS. 13 to 16, each of the rotary disc members 54 and 55 is 9 centrally symmetrical with respect to its axis of rotation 64 and 63, respectively. Furthermore, these rotary disc members 54 and 55 are constructed to be the mirrorimage of one another. Hence, it should be completely sufficient to only describe hereinafter one of the rotary disc members 54 and 55.

Considering thus in detail the rotary disc member 54 it will be seen that such is constructed topossess two diametrical situated continuous and curved slots 65 and 66, each of which, viewed in the direction of rotation, is bounded by a respectiveleading edge 57 and 68 and a trailing edge 69 and 70. "Furthermore, in plan view the leading edges-67 and 68 have an essentially convex configuration and the trailing edges 69, 70 an essentially concave configuration. r

The invention further contemplates providing a respective separation element 71 and 72 for each slot 65 and 66, each of which is constructed similar to the separation element 42 of FIGS. 1,2 and 4-9 inclusive. More specifically, the separation elements 71 and 72 each consist of a respective vane member 73 and 74, formed essentially as a spiral or helical surface, as previously discussed, and the respective tip portion 75 and 76thereof are arranged ahead of the associated slot 65 and 66 respectively, whereas the rear edge 77 and '78, respectively, of the vanes 73 and 74 are disposed approximately at the middle of the width of the associated slot 65 and 66 respectively.

As previously explained the rotary disc member 55 is constructed and arranged mirror-image with respect to the rotary disc member 54 and rotates with the same number of revolutions, yetin the opposite direction of rotation from the disc member 54. j

Operation of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 13 to 16 will be quite evident to those versed in the art in light of what hasbeen previously discussed, particularly since the rotary disc members 54 and 55 function similar to the rotary discmember 3of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4 to 7 inclusive, with the exception that here for each revolution two newspapers are separated from the lower end of the stack.

As willbe evident by referring to FIG. 13 the tip portion 75 of the vane member 73 as well as the tip portion at the rotary disc member 55 which is the mirror-image of tip portion 75, are about to piercingly enter oppositely situated cut side edges of the lowermost newspaper 2' of the stack 1.

After a rotation of the rotary disc members 54 and 55 of approximately 120, as shown in FIG. 14, the just discussed tip portions of both vanes have already departed from their associated out side edges at the lowermost printed article or newspaper. On the other hand the vane members formed in the manner of a spiral surface at each of the disc members'cause both of the lowermost situated corners of the lowermost newspaper 2' of the stack, as shown in FIG. 14, to be The just explained condition has been represented in FIG. 14.

. happen to just be effective at that particular moment of time, until such newspaper, when reaching the position of FIGS. 16, tends to drop through its own weight from the bottom of the stack. While this is occurring the second lowermost newspaper is already in the process of being separated from the stack by the trailing vanes.

From the foregoing discussion it will be quite apparent that the embodiment of FIGS. 13 to 16 has the advantage over the stack separator mechanism construction of FIGS. 1 to 12 that here, with the same rotational speed of the rotary disc members, for each unit of time twice the number of individual copies can be separated from the stack. j

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates in plan view a further embodiment of inventive stack separation mechanism which is quite similar to that previously discussed, and specifically, likewise embodies two'mirror-image constructed counter-rotating rotary disc members 100 and 101 which are driven at the same rotational speed. Rotary disc members 100 and 101, in contrast to the preceding embodiment, here however each are provided with threeslots 102 and 103, respectively, and each are provided with three separation vanes 104 and'105, respectively. In all other respects these rotary disc members 100 and 101 are constructed similar to the rotary disc members 54 and 55 of the arrangement of FIGS. 13 to 16 inclusive, so that no further extensive discussion of this embodiment is believed to be warranted.

It is therefore thus just still to be mentioned that, by virtue of the measures which occur during the operation of an embodiment of apparatus wherein the rotary disc members possess a plurality of radial slots, the tip of the one separation vane associated with its slotmust be arranged inn trailing fashion to the leading edge of the preceding slot as viewed in the direction of rotation. r

In contrast to the embodiment of stack separation mechanism of FIGS. 1 to 12, here: the stack separator mechanismof FIG. 17 serves to separate, with the same rotational speed, three times the number of individual copies, therefore is especially suitable for. stacks of newspapers possessing a relatively large format which must be separated in a rapid sequence from the stack.

FIGS. 18 to 21 illustrate an embodiment of inventive apparatus which is particularly suitable for separating very thin individual copies or individual sheets. By referring to these figures there will be recognized a portion of a rotary disc member 79 which is rigidly connected for rotation and fixably clamped with a driven shaft member 81 through the agency of a nut member and a washer or supporting disc 82 (FIG. 19). The rotary disc member 79 is constructed similar to the previously described rotary discs, that is to say, it possesses an approximately radially extending continuous slot 83 which, along its length, and viewed in the direction of rotation as indicated by the arrow 84, is bounded by a leading edge portion 85 and a trailing edge portion 86. Furthermore, the slot 83 is additionally bounded at its end neighbouring the shaft 81 by an end surface 87. i

A separation vane member 88 secured to the washer disc 82 is associated with the slot 83. Separation vane member 88, similar to the previously described separation vanes, also likewise possesses a lance-shaped tip portion 89 and a therewith merging shoulder or projecion 91 formed in the manner of a spiral or helical surace.

Furthermore, at approximately the same spacing from the shaft member 81 at which is spaced the tip portion 89 there is formed at the edge 87 and in the plane of the upper surface of the rotary table or disc 79 a substantially trough-shaped recess 92, at the bottom region of which there are provided three continuous suction openings 93 which, in turn, communicate with a negative pressure chamber or compartment 95 formed at the hub portion 94 of the rotary disc 79. This negative pressure compartment 95, in turn, communicates with an annular compartment 98 constructed at the connection member 96 surrounding the shaft 81. Annular compartment 98 is connected via a connectionpipe or conduit 97 with any suitable and thus nonillustrated suction pump or equivalent device.

Now if the rotary disc member 79 rotates and with it the separation vane member 88 in the direction of the arrow 84 towards the stack 1, shown in outline in FIG. 18, then it will be readily apparent that the recess 92 arrives at the region of the lowermost copy of the stack 1 before the tip 89 of the separation vane 88 comes into operable engagement with the stack. This has been indicated in FIG. 18 in phantom lines at 89' and 927 Due to the suction current acting through the openings 93 the lowermost copy 2' of the stack 1 will be sucked into the recess 92. Hence, a wedge-shape gap 99 will appear between the lowermost and the second lowermost copy of the stack 1, into while the trailing tip portion 89 of the separation vane 88 can penetrate. This has been clearly shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

As already explained this embodiment of inventive apparatus is particularly suitable for the separation of very thin individual copies or individual sheets from a stack. It has the advantage that the tip 89 of the separation vane 88 can be arranged in the same plane as the upper surface of the rotary disc member 79, so that the stack thus can always bear flushly. It differs from the previously mentioned known stack separation apparatus using a suction cup in that, here the suction element, namely the recess 92 with the suction openings 93 move with respect to the stack 1.

While there is shown and described present preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced withing the scope of the following claims. Accordingly,

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for. separating a flat article, such as a folded printed article, from a stack of such articles comprising stack support means including at least one disc means rotatable-under the stack, said disc means having an upper and lower side, said upper side at least partially supporting the stack, said disc means having at least one radially extending cut-out portion arranged for movement across the supported surface of the stack at each revolution of said disc means, separation element means rotatable about an axis intersecting said upper side of said disc means and arranged for movement in unison with said cut-out portion, said separation element means having a leading portion positioned above said upper side of said disc means and a trailing end portion extending below said lower side of said disc means, said leading portion and said trailing end portion of said separation element means being arranged to engage the lowermost article of the stack at a side edge thereof at each revolution immediately before said cut-out portion of said disc means moves across the supported stack surface.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a means for rotating said disc means and said separation element means, and abutment means for holding the stack in position and for preventing rotation thereof.

3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said separation element means is mounted on said disc means for coaxial rotation therewith.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said leading portion of said separation element means is tapered and said separation element means has a helicoid configuration.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising means for adjustably positioning the height of said leading portion above said upper side of said disc means.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the flat article is provided with at least one cut side edge and said leading portion of said separation element means is arranged for engagement with said cut side edge of the article to be separated from the stack.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the flat article is provided with at least one cut side edge and said leading portion of said separation of element means being arranged for engagement above said cut side edge of the article to be separated from a stack.

8. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said stack support means comprises two disc means in the form of two synchronously and counter-rotatably driven rotary disc members, each of said members being arranged centrally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation thereof, each of said rotary disc members being provided withat least one radially extending cut-out portion and a respective separation element means associated with each of said cut-out portions, said rotary disc members being constructed as the mirror image of the other.

9. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said stack support means comprises a pair of rotatably driven disc members, each of said members being provided with a respective cutout portion, said disc members being synchronously driven in opposite directions of rotation, one of said disc members supporting said separation element means which is associated with said cut-out portion thereof, said cut-out portion of said disc member carrying said separation element means being positioned in front of said cut-out portion of said other disc member with respect to the direction of rotation thereof.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said cutout portion of said disc means is arranged in the region of said separation element means, said cut-out portion having a boundry edge, said rotatable disc means being provided at its surface in the region of said boundry edge with a recess which is positioned forwardly of said coaxial rotation with said disc member.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein each of said disc members is provided with three cut-out portions and said separation element means is associated with each of said cut-out portions and mounted for coaxial rotation with said disc member. 

1. Apparatus for separating a flat article, such as a folded printed article, from a stack of such articles comprising stack support means including at least one disc means rotatable under the stack, said disc means having an upper and lower side, said upper side at least partially supporting the stack, said disc means having at least one radially extending cut-out portion arranged for movement across the supported surface of the stack at each revolution of said disc means, separation element means rotatable about an axis intersecting said upper side of said disc means and arranged for movement in unison with said cut-out portion, said separation element means having a leading portion positioned above said upper side of said disc means and a trailing end portion extending below said lower side of said disc means, said leading portion and said trailing end portion of said separation element means being arranged to engage the lowermost article of the stack at a side edge thereof at each revolution immediately before said cut-out portion of said disc means moves across the supported stack surface.
 2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising a means for rotating said disc means and said separation element means, and abutment means for holding the stack in position and for preventing rotation thereof.
 3. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said separation element means is mounted on said disc means for coaxial rotation therewith.
 4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein said leading portion of said separation element means is tapered and said separation element means has a helicoid configuration.
 5. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising means for adjustably positioning the height of said leading portion above said upper side of said disc means.
 6. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the flat article is provided with at least one cut side edge and said leading portion of said separation element means is arranged for engagement with said cut side edge of the article to be separated from the stack.
 7. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein the flat article is provided with at least one cut side edge and said leading portion of said separation of element means being arranged for engagement above said cut side edge of the article to be separated from a stack.
 8. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said stack support means comprises two disc means in the form of two synchronOusly and counter-rotatably driven rotary disc members, each of said members being arranged centrally symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation thereof, each of said rotary disc members being provided with at least one radially extending cut-out portion and a respective separation element means associated with each of said cut-out portions, said rotary disc members being constructed as the mirror image of the other.
 9. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said stack support means comprises a pair of rotatably driven disc members, each of said members being provided with a respective cutout portion, said disc members being synchronously driven in opposite directions of rotation, one of said disc members supporting said separation element means which is associated with said cut-out portion thereof, said cut-out portion of said disc member carrying said separation element means being positioned in front of said cut-out portion of said other disc member with respect to the direction of rotation thereof.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said cut-out portion of said disc means is arranged in the region of said separation element means, said cut-out portion having a boundry edge, said rotatable disc means being provided at its surface in the region of said boundry edge with a recess which is positioned forwardly of said leading portion with respect to the direction of rotation of said disc means, and means defining suction openings communicating with said recess for subjecting said recess to a source of negative pressure.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein each of said disc members is provided with two cut-out portions and said separation element means is associated with each of said cut-out portions and mounted for coaxial rotation with said disc member.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein each of said disc members is provided with three cut-out portions and said separation element means is associated with each of said cut-out portions and mounted for coaxial rotation with said disc member. 